Riyadh Marathon
The Lowdown
The Riyadh Marathon is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's official full marathon, first held in 2022 and organized by the Saudi Sports for All Federation under the Ministry of Sport. Held annually in late January when Riyadh's desert climate is at its coolest, the event carries a World Athletics Elite Road Race Label, attracting elite international fields alongside thousands of recreational runners. The loop-based course centers on the campus of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, with start and finish areas close together. Alongside the 42.195 km marathon, the event offers a half marathon, 10K and 5K fun run, plus a multi-day festival open to the public. As the flagship endurance event of Saudi Arabia's growing running scene, it is a notable destination race for runners seeking a flat, fast, winter-season marathon in the Middle East.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University campus
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University
SA
Eligibility
- Full Marathon: minimum age 20
- Half Marathon: minimum age 18
- 10K: minimum age 17
- 5K Fun Run: all ages
Entry Methods
- Online registration via the official website
Inaugural edition held in 2022; first official full marathon in Saudi Arabia.
Carries a World Athletics Elite Road Race Label.
Organized by the Saudi Sports for All Federation under the Ministry of Sport.
Accompanied by a multi-day public festival in the days before race day.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.

